Restored police cruiser rekindles memories of Chief Larry 'Hawkeye' Wenzel
John McWilliams, right, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jason Wenzel of Wessington Springs stand beside the fully restored 1985 Plymouth Gran Fury that once served as the Springs Police Department patrol car driven by Jason's father, longtime Police Chief Larry 'Hawkeye' Wenzel. McWilliams brought the cruiser to the Leap to Lane Car Show, where it sparked memories and stories from residents. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)
The Wenzel family celebrates Larry Wenzel's graduation from the police academy. Pictured are, back row, Larry and Muriel Wenzel; front row, Sue, Jason and Travis Wenzel. Wenzel went on to serve as Wessington Springs' longtime police chief, becoming a familiar figure in the community for more than two decades. (PHOTO COURTESY WENZEL FAMILY)
At first glance, it looked like another restored classic at the Leap to Lane Car Show.
Then people started recognizing it.
'Is that really the car?' For many who wandered through the show, the 1985 Plymouth Gran Fury wasn't just another vintage automobile. It was the patrol car driven for years by longtime Wessington Springs Police Chief Larry 'Hawkeye' Wenzel — a familiar sight on Main Street and t…
